South Carolina Republican candidate for Governor Rep. Nikki Haley (r.) is enthusiastic with her husband after winning the primary.

Nikki Haley, a daughter of Indian Sikh immigrants, snared first place in South Carolina's GOP primary for governor Tuesday night. She overcame a sordid campaign, fending off racial slurs and charges of infidelity from the state's mostly male political hierarchy.

"We pushed against the power, we pushed against the money, and boy, did they push back," Haley said. She had Tea Party support.

Haley thrashed her nearest opponent, Rep. Gresham Barrett, 49% to 22%. But by coming up just shy of 50%, she has to beat him again in a June 22 runoff to face Democrat Vince Sheheen in November.

If Reid loses in November, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is a top contender to become majority leader. But Angle waswidely viewed as the mostextreme - and beatable -of the Republicans.

Nevada Republicans also rejected Gov. Jim Gibbons' reelection bid. His term was marred by a nasty divorce and allegations of affairs.

Haley rode Tea Party support and a wave of sympathy toa strong finish after one of the dirtiest campaigns ever, even by the depraved standards of South Carolina - home ofthe lyin', cheatin' Gov. Mark Sanford.

One state senator called Haley, 38, a "raghead."

Two men with ties to Haley's foes claimed in recent weeks they had affairs with Haley - charges the married mom of two vehemently denied.

Her accusers have had a hard time backing up their stories. One vowed to take a polygraph to prove his claims, only to have the results declared inconclusive. The other has failed to offer any real proof.